Here’s an example of a low-budget horror film done without stereotypes: SALVAGE. The film offers us believable characters who aren’t always likable but you can’t help but sympathize with; as a result, their terror is infectious to the viewer. (Unfortunately, for me the premise of the cover-up was kind of dumb and ruined the otherwise very poignant ending.) Still, it was entertaining and I recommend it.
Archive for the 'Movies' Category
January 30, 2011
January 28, 2011
Just watched DEVIL’S PLAYGROUND. Interesting premise–drug trials that turn the volunteers into cannibalistic infected (although connection between drug and contagion is not established). The poor character development mars an otherwise potentially good film though; I found everybody to be a zombie movie stereotype, which was a big turn off. Note to would-be zombie filmmakers: Watch THE WALKING DEAD.
January 26, 2011
Just saw BLACK SWAN with my lovely wife. The trailer looks like the typical story of an artist crumbling under pressure, but the film is more than that. Part psychological thriller, part horror film. It was very good, if emotionally exhausting. I wanted to start smoking again after seeing it. Natalie Portman should get a special Oscar for being “the most amazing actress delivering the most amazing performance ever.”
January 26, 2011
Critical elements of a religiously themed apocalyptic movie or book: 1) God/Satan easily thwarted by automatic weaponry, 2) action hero who remains agnostic even with direct evidence of God’s existence, and who intentionally thwarts God’s Plan for the Final Judgment, 3) sadistic, bloodthirsty God who nonetheless everybody loves, 4) annoying woman impregnated with a child that is inexplicably “mankind’s only hope.”
January 25, 2011
Just watched LEGION and found it to be a really well done, completely stupid movie. To repeat: Really well done. Completely stupid.
January 14, 2011
While I’m on an old movie kick here’s another one you got to see if you’re into, um, lots of people dying from a weaponized virus. Sam Waterston delivers a great performance as the sheriff of a small town whose wife is trapped inside a biological research laboratory where something goes wrong. Well written, well acted, tense, scary and pretty realistic, too.
January 14, 2011
January 13, 2011
Besides DAWN OF THE DEAD, the best movie Romero made in my opinion.
January 12, 2011
While looking through some old movies on YouTube I found this gem: SEVEN DAYS IN MAY starring Burt Lancaster, Kirk Douglas and other greats. The movie is about a military coup plot in the U.S. in the 1960s. One of the best movies ever. It appears that you can watch the entire movie on YouTube (I did not verify all of the clips, though)–check it out.
January 9, 2011
Another perfect movie from the ’70s: ROLLERBALL starring James Caan. What a great movie, Brave New World meets Gladiator. Somehow though I don’t think the corporate superstate is going to be as benevolent as it is in the film, asking for obedience in exchange for peace and plenty; the real corporate state will impoverish the majority and enrich a tiny elite while also requiring obedience.
